Why Brits Keep Coming Back to Spain - And Staying

Picturesque alleyway in Cuenca, Spain

There’s something about Spain that makes it so enticing...

Spain has everything you could want from a country, particularly for the British. It is only approximately 2 and half hour flight away, but you are transported to a landscape and culture which still manages to feel exotic. As someone who has travelled all over the world, the beaches of Spain are still some of the best I have seen. The water is clear and refreshing enough to cool down in, and there are so many beautiful stretches of sand to relax on whatever vibe you are after.

There are the party beaches of Ibiza, the city beach of Barcelona, the wild beaches of Galicia and the powder white sand and turquoise coastline of Menorca - and this is just for starters! There are also beautiful stretches of coastline along the eastern and southern part of Spain interspersed with beautiful cities such as Alicante and Malaga. 

As well as having gorgeous beaches, Spain has rich cultural offerings. There are beautiful historical old towns to explore with captivating architecture as well as modern cities such as Valencia and Barcelona with an abundance of art, culture and nightlife on offer. Barcelona in particular has its own Catalan culture with their own language, food and identity that can feel distinct from other places in Spain. Granada in southern Spain is also a cultural melting pot which offers the stunning Alhambra Palace. The palace is a breathtaking example of historical Islamic architecture and is classed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Granada is also home to ‘Los Gitanos’ (Roma people) who are deeply rooted in the city’s cultural identity and are linked to the shaping of Flamenco music with Granada being known as the birthplace of Flamenco.  

Spain has a lively dining out culture which means that there are plenty of bars and restaurants serving fresh delicious Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Food can range from delicious fresh seafood along the coast to a dizzying variety of tapas in big cities such as Madrid. Each region has its own take on cuisine; with Valencia being the birthplace of Paella, and Andalucia offering Spanish tapas with a Moorish influence. Galicia offers incredible seafood, rich stews and has a Celtic whereas Catalan offers classic mediterranean dishes.  

The weather is also a big draw; much of the year being sunny and dry particularly in the south of Spain means that you have the opportunity to appreciate your surroundings and enjoy all that Spain has to offer. The Balearic Islands including Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza all offer their own distinct culture, cuisine and atmosphere with something for everyone. Ibiza being the sophisticated party island, Mallorca being the lively family friendly island with something for everyone and Menorca being the quieter untouched island for people who want to experience the quiet beauty of Spain.  

Spain is a place where you can relax and live a healthy outdoor lifestyle, whilst also being able to keep close ties with the UK.  Spain would work for Brits who wish to either relocate permanently or for Brits who have always dreamed of having a holiday home. The short journey to and from Spain means that you can have the best of both worlds!